The use of chemicals to control weeds in flooded rice in the Po Valley, Italy is restricted by limited knowledge of potentially useful herbicides. Different strategies of chemical weed control, including different application timings of several types of herbicides are compared based on effectiveness and selectivity. Echinochloa spp., the most common weed was, in the experimental conditions, better controlled with early applications (pre-sowing and preemergence) of new herbicides which were effective substitutes for molinate, the use of which is no longer allowed in some Italian areas. Alisma plantago-aquatica, Bolboschoenus maritimus and Schoenoplectus macronatus were controlled by different types of herbicides applied post-emergence. Cinosulfuron (sulfonylurea) showed the highest effectiveness and selectivity in controlling the more common Hetherantera spp., even when applied in very low amounts.